ArtLords was founded in 2014 by artists and activists who paint the defensive walls of Kabul, Afghanistan with thought-provoking murals that promote peacebuilding. The defensive “blast” walls were originally placed throughout the city to “protect embassies, police buildings, and homes of the Afghani elite.” The intricate murals transform the formerly grey walls into a source of civic engagement and advocacy. Co-founder of ArtLords, Afghani activist Omaid Sharifi, says their goal is to “provide a platform for dialogue on such issues as corruption, extremism, equality for women and transitional justice.” The group works with the government’s approval, and invites all Afghani citizens of all ages to contribute to the murals. The most recent ArtLords mural will include portrait paintings of journalists recently killed for promoting freedom of speech in Afghanistan.